Grizzly Encounter in Montana: A Wake-Up Call for Outdoor Safety While Fishing
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On April 24, 2025, a startling incident unfolded at Red Rock Creek in Montana’s Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, reminding us how quickly nature can turn unpredictable—especially while fishing in bear country. Two anglers were charged by a grizzly bear that emerged from thick brush, according to a report by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. One of the anglers fired a shot in self-defense, and thankfully, both escaped unharmed. The bear’s fate remains unknown, as wildlife officers couldn’t locate it during their search the following day, leaving questions about whether it was wounded.
The incident prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to close a section of Red Rock Creek until May 5 for public safety. This closure, spanning from Elk Lake Road to Upper Red Rock Lake, underscores the seriousness of the encounter and the ongoing challenges of coexisting with wildlife in bear country. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, near the Idaho border in southern Montana, is a pristine area known for its biodiversity, but it’s also part of the grizzly’s natural habitat—a fact anglers can’t ignore.
Grizzly bears have been listed as a threatened species in the lower 48 states since 1975, protected under federal and state laws. It’s illegal to harm or kill them except in self-defense, as was the case here. The National Park Service notes that bear attacks are rare, often driven by the animal defending its food, cubs, or territory. In this instance, the bear likely felt threatened by the anglers’ presence in dense brush near a creek, where visibility is low, and surprise encounters are more likely—common risks when fishing in remote areas.
What stands out about this story is the stark reminder it offers: Montana is bear country, and anyone fishing in its wild spaces needs to be prepared. The anglers’ quick reaction—using a firearm in self-defense—likely saved their lives, but the incident also highlights the importance of non-lethal deterrents like bear spray. In a 2016 incident along Yellowstone’s Lamar River, a couple successfully used bear spray to fend off a charging grizzly, retreating without injury. Bear spray is widely recommended by experts because it’s effective and doesn’t require the lethal force that can further endanger a threatened species.
For those of us who love fishing in the outdoors, this story is a call to action. Here are practical steps to stay safe in bear country, with a focus on fishing-specific precautions, drawn from advice by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the National Park Service:
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Carry Bear Spray and Keep It Accessible: Always have bear spray on your hip or in an easily reachable spot—not buried in your tackle box or backpack. Practice using it so you’re ready in a crisis. It can stop a charging bear without causing permanent harm.
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When fishing, especially in areas with thick brush or near streams like Red Rock Creek, stay vigilant. Bears are attracted to water sources for fish and other food. Look for signs of bear activity—tracks, scat, or claw marks on trees—and avoid fishing in areas with recent bear sightings.
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Travel in Groups and Make Noise: Bears are less likely to approach larger groups. While fishing, make noise to avoid surprising a bear—talk loudly, sing, or clap as you move along the creek. If you’re casting quietly for long periods, periodically make noise to alert bears to your presence.
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Stay Calm During Encounters: If you see a bear while fishing, identify yourself as a human by speaking calmly and waving your arms slowly. Don’t scream or run, as this can trigger an attack. Slowly back away while facing the bear, giving it space to retreat.
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Avoid Climbing Trees: Both grizzlies and black bears can climb, so this isn’t a safe escape if you’re near a tree while fishing.
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Secure Fish and Food Properly: Bears are drawn to the smell of fish. Clean fish away from your fishing spot, store them in airtight containers, and dispose of entrails properly—don’t leave them near the water or your campsite. Keep all food, snacks, and scented items (like sunscreen) secured in a bear-proof container or vehicle.
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Fish During Daytime Hours: Bears are more active at dawn and dusk. Fishing during midday reduces the likelihood of an encounter, as bears may be less active then.
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Avoid Wearing Scented Gear: Don’t wear clothing or waders that smell like fish from previous trips. The scent can attract bears, so wash your gear thoroughly before heading out.
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Choose Open Fishing Spots When Possible: If you can, fish in open areas with good visibility rather than dense brush or forested creeks. This reduces the chance of surprising a bear and gives you more time to react if one approaches.
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Have an Escape Plan: Before you start fishing, identify a safe route to retreat—whether it’s back to your vehicle or an open area. Streams can be slippery, so know your footing to avoid tripping if you need to move quickly.
This incident also raises broader questions about human-wildlife coexistence. Grizzly populations in Montana are growing, with the state boasting the largest population in the continental U.S. As their numbers increase, so does the likelihood of encounters, especially in areas like Red Rock Lakes, which sits near the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—one of the grizzly’s recovery zones. While the bear in this case acted defensively, other reports—like the 2024 killing of a food-conditioned grizzly in the Yellowstone River—show how human behavior, such as leaving fish scraps or garbage unsecured, can lead to deadly outcomes for bears. Anglers need to be especially diligent about securing attractants and respecting bear habitat.
As someone building a site like emergencypreparednesslist.com, this story hits close to home. Emergency preparedness isn’t just about natural disasters—it’s also about being ready for unexpected wildlife encounters while fishing or enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re casting a line in Montana or hiking in Glacier National Park, where a hiker was bitten by a grizzly in 2024, knowing how to handle a bear encounter can be a lifesaver. Adding bear safety tips for anglers to your list of preparedness topics could make your site a go-to resource for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Red Rock Creek incident isn’t just a news story—it’s a lesson in humility. Nature doesn’t bend to our plans, and in bear country, we’re not the top of the food chain, especially when fishing in their territory. Let’s respect these incredible animals by preparing ourselves, not just for our safety, but for theirs too. If you’re heading out to fish in the wild, take the time to learn bear safety—it might just save your life.